The Lady of Barton Broad
Barton Broad, a serene and picturesque lake in Norfolk, is said to be home to the ghostly apparition of a woman known as the Beautiful Face in the Lake. Legend has it that she was accidentally killed by her father after planning to run away with a knight. Her spirit is believed to haunt the waters, and those who claim to have seen her face consider it a blessing. The story of this ghostly woman has been a part of local folklore for centuries, and her haunting is often described as a gentle and benevolent presence.
The story behind the haunting is steeped in tragedy and heartbreak. According to local lore, the woman was set to elope with her lover, a knight, but was caught and killed by her father. Her spirit, unable to rest, now roams the lake, searching for peace. Witnesses describe seeing her face in the water, a sight that is said to bring good fortune. While the details of her story are shrouded in mystery, the sightings of her face have been reported by numerous people over the years, making her one of Norfolk's most enduring and intriguing ghost stories.
The haunting is believed to date back to the medieval period, when the Norfolk Broads were a network of rivers, streams, and lakes that played a crucial role in the local economy and culture.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Miss Nelson's Haunted Portrait
Rectory, Barton Turf
Barton Turf Rectory is home to a rather unusual ghost story. The spirit of Miss Nelson is said to accompany her portrait, which was once housed at Cobb Hall in Yaxley. When the painting was purchased by the current owner of the rectory, Miss Nelson's ghost followed, seemingly tied to the artwork. Her presence was noted from the 1850s onwards, suggesting a long history of haunting. The ghost vanished in 1995 when the painting was stolen, leaving behind only memories of her eerie companionship.
The Red-Haired Lady of Barton Turf Rectory
Rectory, Barton Turf
Barton Turf Rectory is home to a most intriguing and eerie presence - that of a woman with fiery red hair who appears to be sitting by a fire. This ghostly apparition is said to manifest only when a chair is placed by the fire, leading many to believe that she is the spirit of a woman who tragically lost her life in a fire at a nearby abbey. Her presence is a poignant reminder of the dark history that shrouds this Norfolk village.
Heard's Lantern Ghost
Marshland between Alderfen and Neatishead, Alderfen Broad
Deep in the misty Norfolk marshes, near Alderfen Broad, a spine-tingling spectacle has been witnessed for centuries. They call it Heard's Lantern, a ghostly apparition said to roam these treacherous wetlands on foggy evenings. This eerie spirit is believed to be the ghost of Heard, a man with a dark past who met his demise in these very marshes. His untimely death was a result of his own heinous crimes, which ultimately led to his accidental drowning. Now, his restless spirit is said to wander, waving a lantern in an attempt to lure the unwary into the marshes.
Neatishead Phantom Dog
Unnamed road in the area, Neatishead
In the sleepy Norfolk village of Neatishead, a strange encounter took place on an unnamed road, leaving a lasting impression on the witness. A man named Finch was walking home when he spotted what he thought was a fellow villager's dog in the road. The dog snarled at Finch, and in a bizarre turn of events, he tried to kick it away. However, his foot passed straight through the creature, leaving Finch perplexed and startled. This inexplicable incident has become a fascinating footnote in the annals of local folklore.
Viking Raiders of Ludham
Ludham Bridge, Ludham
Ludham Bridge is a spot where the ordinary and the paranormal collide on certain nights. Locals claim that on April 2nd, a reoccurring haunting manifestation takes place, where a group of Viking raiders appears late at night, making their way towards the bridge. The sound of hunting horns and cracking whips echoes through the air, sending shivers down the spines of those who have witnessed this spectacle. It's as if the Vikings have travelled through time, bringing with them the chaos and energy of their raids.
Mad Canon of Hickling
Hickling Priory, Hickling
Hickling Priory stands as a testament to the region's rich history, its crumbling walls whispering tales of a bygone era. Among the whispers is the legend of a ghostly monk, said to roam the priory's ruins and the marshes to the northeast. The story goes that he was a canon driven to madness while attempting to balance the priory's books, a task that proved too great for his sanity. This spectral figure, known as the Mad Canon, is a haunting presence that draws the curious and the brave to these historic grounds.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Barton Broad
